we were refused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were refused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where a request or offer was denied. Example: "After submitting our application, we were refused entry to the event due to lack of available space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We were refused.

The Guardian

But we were refused a drink.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were refused access to our rooms.

The Guardian

"We were there for six days offering our services and we were refused," he said.

The Guardian

We don't have insurance; we were refused after the floods in 2012.

The Guardian

"Following a series of claims we were refused insurance renewal in 1994 and had to go elsewhere.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We are refused entrance to a fictional world.

The New York Times - Books

Why should we be refused a smear test?

The Guardian

If we are refused, the black community should use our economic power exactly as corporate America did in Arizona and Georgia.

The Washington Post

We are refused service.

HuffPost

"Even when we apply for planning permission, we're refused," complains Steve, an elderly resident.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were refused", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being requested or sought. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were refused by ourselves". The reflexive pronoun is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. The passive voice already implies an external actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were refused" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject (we) experienced the action of being denied or rejected by an external agent. As Ludwig AI shows, this structure is used when the focus is on the recipient of the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were refused" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to indicate that a request or attempt was denied. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business settings. While alternatives like "we were denied" or "we were rejected" exist, "we were refused" remains a clear and effective way to convey a denial or rejection. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly states what was being refused to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were denied

Synonymous; emphasizes the act of someone withholding something.

we were rejected

Implies a stronger sense of disapproval or unsuitability.

we were turned down

Informal alternative, suggesting a less formal refusal.

we were not allowed

Focuses on the lack of permission or authorization.

we were prohibited

Indicates a formal or legal restriction.

we were barred

Suggests a more forceful or absolute denial of access.

we were excluded

Highlights being left out or prevented from participating.

our request was denied

Shifts the focus to the request itself being refused.

permission was refused to us

Passive construction focusing on the refusal of permission.

we met with refusal

Emphasizes the experience of encountering a negative response.

FAQs

What does "we were refused" mean?

The phrase "we were refused" means that a request, application, or attempt made by a group of people was denied or rejected by someone in authority or a system.

How can I use "we were refused" in a sentence?

You can use "we were refused" to describe situations where a request or offer was denied. For example: "After submitting our application, "we were refused entry" to the event."

What can I say instead of "we were refused"?

You can use alternatives like "we were denied", "we were rejected", or "we were turned down" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we were refused access"?

Yes, "we were refused access" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It means that entry or access to a particular place or resource was denied.